Uptake of postpartum care services among post-delivery women at muleba district, kagera tanzania

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Care services are central component of the continuum of maternal health care. Worldwide Postpartum Care (PPC) services for women are important, particularly within the first 6 weeks (42days) after child birth. Tanzania is ranked as one of the highest maternal mortality rates country in the world, with about 556 deaths per 100000 live births. Regardless of the significant impact postpartum period may have on both the mother and the new born; it is the period that is neglected in most of sub-Saharan countries such as Tanzania. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factor for uptake of postpartum care services among post-delivery women at Muleba district, Kagera region Tanzania. Objective: This study investigated the factors for uptake of postpartum care services among post-delivery women of Muleba district in Kagera region, Tanzania. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which used quantitative approach. The study involved post-delivery women aged 15-49 years old who gave birth in the preceding two years before the study in Muleba district. A multistage random sampling method was used to recruit participants in the study. Questionnaire with semi-structured questions was used to gather information from 301 post-delivery women residing in Muleba district. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate variables that have a strong effect on the outcome variable (uptake of postpartum care services). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. Results: The proportion of uptake of postpartum care services of at least one visit was 78.7%, of which only 63.1% of the participants had three visits and above. Reasons for not taking postpartum care services included poor transportation, health facility distance, perception that no need for such services, lack of information on PPC services. The determinants for uptake of postpartum care services in this study were caesarean section (AOR=2.3, CI: 1.5-5.8), being a Christian [AOR =3.1, CI: 1.3-7.8], responsiveness of health care providers (AOR=3.0, 1.3-7.2) and shorter distance to the health facilities (AOR=2.3, 1.1-4.9). Conclusion: The uptake of post-partum care services among post-delivery women of Muleba district was higher compared to the national average of 37%. However, 21.3% of post-delivery women did not attend PPC clinics within 42 days after delivery. This is still a problem to the prevailing interventions of maternal and child health. The factors associated with uptake of postpartum care services in this study were facility distance, responsiveness of the health care providers towards the patients and mode of delivery. Recommendations: From this study, distance from health facility affects the complete uptake of postpartum care services. The government and partners implementing maternal and child health programmes should establish outreach and strengthen existing programmes to reach all remote areas where there is no health facilities. Also Outreach programmes should be integrated in the government health systems for sustainability because in some areas outreach programmes are seasonal depending on availability of funds from health partners or other donors.